doesn't seem to. Just rocks placed around the base on up the spiral but didn't seem to be as 'tower of Babylon'ish as Dave's. I don't know what holds it up then. Even Dave's built very sturdily with brick gave way to the pressure of the dirt (and mud as the dirt got wet). Will go back and read word for word; I too often look at a picture, skip trace through the narrative -- and don't always get it right. Seems like a great idea and I would like to try it also. Dave put in a heck of a lot of work on that tower to have to take it down. I had to smile a little when he said that the Mrs. sort of wanted it moved a little anyway. Not like moving a sofa, eh?